Pancake followed behind Strawberry Parfait, trotting down one of the Buried Kingdom’s many hallways. But instead of looking forward, the bay Courser’s dark, brown gaze was set on their new party member just beside the pink mare, watching him curiously.

The hulking Courser took slow, but long strides given his size. Unlike others, mane sat above his brows, which were nestled forward, a constant disgruntled look plaguing his expression. Now, what spiked Pancake’s curiosity were these very same features, his fur long and flowing at the hooves and chin… all what would indicate was a Heraldic. However, one thing was missing, his tail.

What would be the iconic, long tail of a Heraldic was a nub, so light in color Pancake couldn’t tell if it had been scarred or not. Of course, it didn’t matter what this fellow was, but the question plagued her mind.

“It’s rude to stare,” Came the whisper of Eidyia just behind him, the smaller, pastel mare taking notice of Pancake’s looks. And, she was certain that the other two party members were aware of it as well.

Pancake glanced back at her, his mouth slightly agape, taken aback. But he nodded, the mage was right! Staring was rude, he’d just have to ask him so he’d no longer stare.

“Hey, Mallow, are you a Heraldic?”

Despite the fact that no one was talking, the party seemed to have gone quiet. Pancake glanced back over his shoulder to see Eidyia looking back at him with wide eyes, then looking back to Strawberry Parfait who kept her eyes forward, not commenting on the question.

“...Was that a rude question?”

Marshmallow looked his way with a subtle frown, only huffing, before Strawberry Parfait spoke up.

“Yes, it was dear,” She calmly hummed, Pancake responding with a quick “--Ack!” But before he could begin to apologize, the large Courser shot him another look.

“Don’t start,” He huffed, then nodded forward,”There’s something ahead of us.”

…

The hallway opened up into a room, one which must’ve once been a beautiful garden–but the only remnant left of it were its worn statues and dull, mosaic pathways.

Pancake waited at the entrance as the others pushed forward, exploring the area for their own personal wants. Well–the bay Courser looked up–except Pancake.

“I–!”

“I am a horse.” Marshmallow began with a scoff, cutting off Pancake’s second attempt at an apology,”...of a Heraldic variation.” When Pancake didn’t respond, the cream pearl Heraldic continued.

“Just thought you’d like to know,” Mallow’s expression softened with levity, no doubt from the apologetic, wide-eyed look Pancake continued to give him.

However, there was little peace for them, for a surprised “Eep!” Came from the distance, Eidyia stumbling backwards from an ornate fountain in the center of the room. Its water began to swell, rising out of it. As a vortex began to form, Mallow and Pancake rushed forward to the rest of their party’s aid.